Currently there is a lack of internationally comparable data covering all sectors of waste generation. However, data on municipal waste generated are widely available.

The volume of municipal waste generated per person in Australia (606kg) is more than that generated in Canada (411kg), Germany (555kg), and England (574kg). However, Australia generates less municipal waste per person than the United States (927kg).

High rates of waste diversion in Australia increase its waste disposal performance relative to other countries. Australia's municipal waste diversion rate of 40% is above that of Canada (29%), England (31%) and the United States (33%). This places Australia in the mid-range of nations in terms of total municipal waste disposed in landfills on a per person basis.

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